Lohne (Oldenburg): Culture, Forest and Trails

Industrial history and theatre for different generations

The Lohne Industrial Museum presents the city’s industrial history and regularly organises guided tours, special exhibitions and hands-on activities for parents and children. This makes it possible to combine a museum visit with different ways of exploring. The museum can tell you which exhibition is currently on; programme details are subject to change.

Every year, the amateur theatre group stages two plays at the Lohne Open-Air Theatre: one for children and one for adults. Open-air theatre has been a tradition in the city since the 1930s. It is worth checking the current season’s details when planning your visit. The two productions offer different options for a shared theatre outing or an evening tailored to adults’ interests.

Church history and art connected to Lohne

The history of St. Gertrud dates back to the Middle Ages. The present-day church, however, was not built until the late 19th century—a distinction that separates the site’s long history from the construction period of today’s building. The Luzie Uptmoor Gallery is dedicated to the work of various artists with close ties to Lohne. Together with the exhibitions at the historic watermill, it offers another way to explore the city’s culture: exhibitions are held four times a year at the mill in Lohne City Park.

Hopener Forest and trails through Lohne

Hopener Forest offers both a specially designed trail for children and a larger network of routes. The Hopener Forest Trail is around 1.4 kilometres long, is designed as a play and educational trail, and lies beyond the railway line. Numerous walking and hiking trails also pass through the forest. If you would like to include nature and outdoor activities in your stay, these different options can help you plan your days.

Other routes in Lohne pass through Hopener Forest with its moated castle, through the city park and urban forest, along the town centre, and past churches, Gründerzeit villas and other sights. The routes combine different impressions, with forest sections alongside green spaces and buildings. A total of 60 kilometres of routes are available for cycling and hiking within the Lohne municipal area.

Another signposted trail runs through the northern district of Vechta, passing through the municipality of Visbek and the towns of Vechta and Lohne. Its marker is a yellow scallop shell on a blue background. This route through several towns differs from the trails that explore individual areas of Lohne.

Which holiday apartment suits your plans?

When choosing a holiday apartment, it may help to decide first what you want to focus on: would you like your stay to centre on culture, with museum visits, theatre and exhibitions, or would you prefer to make time for trails in Hopener Forest and other routes around the town? Lohne offers options for both. You can also plan a mix of culture and nature; just remember to check the current opening hours of the observation tower and the latest programmes in advance.

From its viewing platform, the Lohne observation tower offers views over forests, moors and fields. There are 82 steps to the top, and opening hours may vary. You can include the tower as a separate stop, while the trails and cultural attractions offer other ways to explore. When looking for accommodation, you can choose a combination that suits the days you have planned and your interests.

Discover more destinations: Bakum, Goldenstedt, Steinfeld, Holdorf, Neuenkirchen-Vörden, Dinklage, Damme, Vechta.

Back to the main travel overview: Vechta.